Manchester United must win Tuesday’s clash with Bayern Munich to stand any chance of reaching the Champions League knockout stages, though boss Erik ten Hag is dealing with a number of issues

Manchester United trained for the final time before the crucial clash with Bayern Munich on Monday.

Boss Erik ten Hag will be nervously awaiting an injury report though, with United needing to win to stand any chance of progressing to the knockout stages. They are currently rock bottom of their Champions League group and are without a win after five games.

The Red Devils go into the game off the back of a dismal defeat to Bournemouth, with Ten Hag having three days to get his side ready for the clash with Bayern. Here, Mirror Football picks out the five biggest talking points from their final training session.

1. Absent duo

Ten Hag’s main concern ahead of Tueday’s game is that both Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial were missing from the session. United later confirmed both forwards were suffering from illness.

But it is unknown if they will recover in time to face Bayern, with both having played substantial roles this season. Ten Hag may need to make adjustments to his attacking plans if neither are able to recover in time.

In his pre-match press conference, Ten Hag admitted he was not sure sure of his squad’s readiness. He said: “It’s a condensed programme so we have a training, so at this moment, I’m not sure about everyone, who’s available for tomorrow.”

2. Martinez boost

Lisandro Martinez was spotted undertaking individual work on Monday ( Image: Matt McNulty/Getty Images))

While the absences of Rashford and Martial is a concern, there was more positive news in the return of Lisandro Martinez. Martinez has been sidelined for the past three months after suffering a recurrence of a metatarsal issue.

But the Argentine was seen walking out with the main group for training, before peeling off to conduct individual work as part of his rehabilitation. He still has some way to go before he can be considered fully fit though.

Even so, it was be a positive for Ten Hag to see his star defender finally make it back out on the grass. United have suffered without the World Cup winner in their back four so the news he is stepping up his return is a huge boost for the Dutchman.

3. Lindelof relief

Victor Lindelof recovered from an injury issue to take part in the session ( Image: Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

There is some relief on the injury front for Ten Hag though, with Victor Lindelof overcoming doubts to be involved in the session. The Dutchman had expressed concerns that the defender would not be fit.

In his press conference earlier in the day, Ten Hag had said: “The question mark is on Victor Lindelof, whether he can make it or not. We have to wait and see until tomorrow.”

But Lindelof was spotted fully participating in the session on Monday to allay those worries. With Luke Shaw struggling as a makeshift centre-back, the option of playing a natural in the position will be much-welcomed by Ten Hag.

4. A relaxed squad

The Manchester United squad appeared to be in high spirits ( Image: Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

While they have endured a wretched season, it appears that United’s squad are remaining relaxed about their Champions League prospects. At one point in the session, Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund and Kobbie Mainoo were seen celebrating.

Garnacho was also spotted jumping on the back of Sergio Reguilon as the youngster attempted to keep the feeling light. Ten Hag has insisted he is confident his side are in the right spirit heading into Tuesday’s game.

He said: “We are not consistent, [that is] clear. But we have also a very good performance and highs. So if we get it, when we are in the right spirit and then we are able to do it, then we are able to beat any opponent.”

5. Veterans pass on their knowledge

Jonny Evans and Steve McLaren shared a quiet word during training ( Image: DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images)

Veteran centre-back Jonny Evans and vastly experienced assistant boss Steve McLaren were spotted sharing a word together during the session. Evans has surprisingly been handed first-team minutes this season amid an injury crisis at centre-back.

And it appears that the United centre-back have been using his experience in other ways as they look to ignite a stuttering campaign. Evans’ discussion with McLaren appeared to be jovial as he fully participated in Monday’s session.